Delicious Greek Butternut Squash Pie Recipe
Are you tired of the same old boring recipes and looking for a new savory dish to add to your repertoire? Look no further than the Greek dish, Batzina!
This crustless butternut pie is a staple in Greek cuisine, combining the creamy sweetness of butternut squash with the salty tanginess of feta cheese. Its unique texture and taste will surely impress your family and guests.
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. It can be served as a main or side dish, eaten hot or cold, and even makes for a perfect leftover meal.
Plus, this easy-to-make traditional Greek recipe is perfect for those looking to incorporate more vegetables into their diet without sacrificing flavor.
So gather your ingredients and get ready to impress with this savory pie, also known as Batzina in Greece.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ladies and gentlemen, gather around, for I have a recipe that will change your life. This, my dear friends, is the Batzina — Greek Crustless Butternut Pie Recipe.
Have you ever craved a delicious savory pie but been put off by the effort it takes to make the crust? Fear not, for this recipe is completely crustless, saving you time and effort in the kitchen. Plus, who needs a crust when there’s so much flavor packed into this dish?
Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also incredibly versatile. You can serve it as a main dish or a side dish, making it perfect for any meal of the day. It combines butternut squash and feta cheese to create a unique flavor profile that will have you coming back for more.
But wait, that’s not all! This recipe is also a healthy option. We use olive oil instead of butter to create a more heart-healthy dish. It’s perfect for those watching their waistline or trying to eat healthier.
And let’s not forget about its cultural significance. The Batzina is a traditional Greek dish that has been enjoyed for generations. By making this recipe, you are not only indulging in delicious food but also embracing the rich history and culture of Greece.
So why will you love this recipe? Let me count the ways: it’s easy to make, versatile, flavorful, healthy and culturally significant. So what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try and discover why it deserves a spot in your kitchen repertoire.
Ingredient List
Before diving into the recipe how-to, let’s take a look at the list of ingredients needed to make this delicious crustless butternut pie.
For the filling, you’ll need butternut squash (peeled and diced) and zucchini (grated). These vegetables will provide both sweetness and savory notes to the pie. We also need feta cheese, which adds a bit of tanginess and saltiness to balance the flavors. Additionally, we will use all-purpose flour, salt, and pepper, along with some olive oil for cooking the vegetables.
For the custard mixture, we will need three large eggs, 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour (again), 1 cup of milk, and some extra virgin olive oil.
Make sure you have all the ingredients handy before starting, so your cooking process is smooth sailing!
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have all the necessary ingredients gathered, let’s start preparing our Batzina — Greek Crustless Butternut Pie Recipe:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Prepare the Squash and Zucchini
Cut your butternut squash into roughly 1/2 inch (1 cm) cubes and cut your zucchinis into thin slices. Then, season both with some salt and pepper
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the squash and zucchini and sauté for around 10 minutes until soft.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, beat three eggs along with one cup of milk and one cup of all-purpose flour until thoroughly combined. Then crumble in half a cup of feta cheese and mix everything together.
Step 5: Assemble Everything
Take an oven-safe pan and lightly grease it with olive oil. Add the cooked vegetables, then pour in your egg mixture. Make sure everything is evenly distributed.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Put your pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 50 minutes or until your crustless butternut pie looks golden brown atop and it passes clean toothpick test.
Enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
One of the greatest joys of cooking is being able to tailor a recipe to our individual tastes or dietary restrictions. With this crustless butternut pie recipe, there are numerous opportunities to experiment with substitutions and variations.
First, let’s talk about the star of the show: butternut squash. While this recipe calls for butternut squash specifically, other winter squash varieties such as acorn, kabocha, or pumpkin can be used as a substitute. Furthermore, if you don’t have feta cheese on hand, try using goat cheese or ricotta instead.
For those who want to add more green to the mix, zucchini makes a fantastic addition. Simply slice it thinly and add it to the layering process alongside the butternut squash.
If you’re looking for a way to make this dish gluten-free, consider swapping out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free alternative such as almond flour or oat flour. This substitution will give your crustless pie a nuttier flavor profile than traditional wheat flour.
Finally, if you’re looking to take this recipe in a different direction entirely, try going savory with the addition of cooked bacon or ham. The salty flavors pair incredibly well with the sweet creaminess of the butternut squash and feta cheese.
Experimentation is encouraged in cooking – that’s where some of the most exciting recipes come from! Don’t be afraid to try out some of these substitutions or variations to see what flavor combinations work best for your taste buds.
Serving and Pairing
Once you have baked a savory crustless butternut squash pie batzina, it’s time to serve and enjoy it! This easy traditional Greek recipe has a crunchy exterior with a creamy interior that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
You can serve this delicious dish as the main course for lunch or dinner, paired with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables. You can even enjoy a slice of pie cold, straight out of the fridge, for breakfast or as an afternoon snack.
One of the best things about this dish is that it’s incredibly versatile and pairs well with many different dishes. You can pair it with a refreshing glass of white wine or a light beer. The creamy butternut squash filling complements the refreshing flavor of Rosé wine or Sauvignon Blanc.
Another delightful pairing option is to enjoy your pie with some salty olives or pickled vegetables. The flavors work together brilliantly to make your taste buds dance with delight, and they add an extra level of complexity to your plate.
If you’re looking for something heartier, you might want to try pairing your slice with some crispy bacon or grilled chicken. These protein sources complement the pie’s subtle sweetness perfectly while adding texture and depth.
In summary, crustless butternut squash savory pie batzina is an excellent meal to share with friends and family. It pairs well with many drinks and sides, and it won’t disappoint you!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the great advantages of this crustless butternut pie recipe is that it is perfect for making ahead of time. In fact, I highly recommend making it a day ahead so that the flavors can fully develop and settle in.
To prepare ahead, allow the pie to cool completely and wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place it in the refrigerator until needed. The pie will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating this savory pie is quick and easy – simply heat up your oven to 350°F (180°C) and put the pie on a baking tray in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. It will come out tasting just as good as it did when it was freshly made.
If you’re planning on freezing any leftovers or making several pies to store for later, wrap them carefully with plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them into a freezer-safe container. When ready to reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating in the oven.
This mouth-watering butternut squash savory pie also travels well and can be an excellent addition to your list of on-the-go meals or office lunches. Just wrap a slice of the cooled pie in aluminum foil, and you’re all set to go.
As with most baked dishes, reheat only once as reheating multiple times isn’t advisable since it may dry out the pie or cause it to lose its delightful flavor and texture.
With these make-ahead, storing and reheating tips, you can enjoy this delicious Batzina Greek Crustless Butternut Pie recipe throughout the week without compromising quality or taste.
Tips for Perfect Results
It’s important to get the perfect texture and flavor of Batzina. Here are some tips that have helped me perfect this Crustless Butternut Pie recipe.
Firstly, make sure to cook the butternut squash until it’s tender. The Batzina pie should have a smooth texture after ingredients are mixed together. You can test the squash by inserting a fork or knife into it. If it goes through easily, you know it’s tender enough.
Secondly, take care not to overcook the vegetables during the sautéing process. It’s important to keep their flavor intact. I recommend sautéing zucchini and onions separately for about 5 minutes each- so that they become tender yet retain their crunchiness, and don’t lose their taste.
Thirdly, when mixing the ingredients together, evenly distribute them throughout the mixture. This ensures that every slice of pie has an equal share of all of the ingredients for a perfect taste.
Fourthly, let the pie cool down for a few minutes before serving. This allows its flavor to fully develop and lets you appreciate its aroma even better!
Lastly, store leftovers in an airtight container in your fridge for later use. When reheating Batzina, transfer it to an oven preheated at 350°F (177°C) for 10-15 minutes until hot all over again. And if you’d like to freeze this Greek savory delight so as to relish it at another time, wrap individual slices in parchment paper or plastic wrap, then put them in an airtight container or ziplock freezer bag for up to three months.
By following these helpful tips, you’ll be able to make a Crustless Butternut Pie that is both delicious and aesthetically pleasing every time.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the crustless butternut pie recipe or Batzina is an easy-to-make and delicious savory pie that combines the flavors of butternut squash and feta cheese. It is a traditional Greek dish that you can make at home with just a few ingredients in a short amount of time. This recipe is versatile as it allows you to substitute and vary ingredients according to your preferences, which can make your Batzina more unique and personalized.
Moreover, the Batzina recipe provides an excellent opportunity to explore new flavors, especially for people who are interested in learning more about Greek cuisine. You’ll love this recipe for its simplicity and crunchiness while enjoying the combination of savory ingredients.
Whether you’re making this dish ahead of time or serving it freshly made, it’s versatile enough to fit any occasion from a casual gathering to a formal event. Don’t hesitate to try out this recipe – it might be just what you need to bring something new and exciting to your dinner table!
Batzina -- Greek Crustless Butternut Pie Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb butternut squash, peeled and grated (about 2+ cups)
- 1/2 lb feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/3 cup olive oil (extra for greasing the pan)
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350.
- In a large bowl mix the milk, egg, feta (save a little for sprinkling on top later), olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Add the grated butternut and mix well.
- Add the flour gradually until the dough is thickish (note that the original recipe called for 3 cups of flour, but we found this to be too dense. If 2 cups doesn’t seem enough, add some more).
- Empty the dough into a greased pan. It should be less than 1 inch high.
- Sprinkle some crumbled feta on top.
- Bake for 45 minutes (a bit longer if you use more than 2 cups of flour). Then let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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